Tag: nutrition

Theophilus’ Story

Theophilus' Story - Theophilus is surrounded by his family.

Stories of Hope: Theophilus’ Story

In February 2017, I was diagnosed with Stage IVB Right Maxillary Sinonasal Adenocarcinoma. My name is Theophilus Sackey and my date of birth is October 17, 1968. The news was very devastating to the say the least because cancer is like a warrant and very unpredictable with prognosis. The very difficult aspect of the situation was the fact that I did not have health insurance.

God being so good JPS Health Network agreed to perform the on humanitarian grounds to save my life.

After enduring a seventeen hours surgery my body was like a car that has been rebuilt. I was on feeding tube, had to learn how walk again, eat through the mouth and how to talk. In fact when I woke up at ICU and family members around me were all in shock of how I looked like some friends even had little hope of me making it back home.

A social worker at JPS Health Network introduced me to Cancer Care Services for my nutrition since I was on feeding tube but I received more than just nutrition. James Earl took care of me when I came over to the office. James took time to take me through some questionnaire and explain all the possibilities and the difficulties that can be associated with life after cancer survival and prayed for me.

I was received nutrition free of charge for six months before I started eating through my mouth. In December 2017, I needed a pet scan taken at cost of $780.00 and again Cancer Care Services took care of the cost for me.

I was not the only person that was taken care of. My children got their school supplies, we got groceries for our Thanksgiving meal, our Christmas tree was filled with gifts for my three children, my wife and myself and again had groceries for our Christmas meal because Cancer Care Services raised money to care of us.

I have had peace of mind to live and enjoy life after I was declared cancer free on August 2017. In January of 2018, I was invited for a retreat and it was a life changing experience to see people have survived and those who are still going treatment to share their stories and all the activities that went on that was great.

I want to end by extending my appreciation to the whole staff of the organization for your dedication to help alleviate the difficulties that come with cancer diagnosis, treatment and survival. I pray that one day I would be strong enough to work and be a donor to the organization to help other people enjoy the services I had.